Rees returns for the Scarlets

British Lions and Wales international hooker, Matthew Rees returns to the Scarlets starting line-up for Sunday's Magners League game against Connacht at Parc y Scarlets (KO 2.05pm).

This is a game viewed by the region as a chance for the home side to restore pride at the end of the season.

Stephen Jones is ruled out with a minor ankle injury and hopes to be back next week for the final game of the season against Glasgow. Richie Pugh also doesn't make the fitness race after picking up a shoulder injury against Cardiff Blues.

Rhys Priestland comes back at outside half with Martin Roberts starting at scrum-half ahead of Tavis Knoyle, lock Damian Welch gets a chance to impress while prop Iestyn Thomas is back in the Scarlets XV.

Head Coach Nigel Davies said; "We have had a very focused and honest week and as a group got to the core of some issues regarding our last two performances which we have been very disappointed with.

"We dropped off the level of performance we are capable of and need to get back on our feet quickly and return where we have been previously this season, particularly in our European campaign which has in the main been really positive given where this group is in its development.

"We are very disappointed with our league position, and while we know we have come close to wins on so many occasions - ultimately the table does not lie.

"We want to put that right this weekend and we know we have just got to put in two massive performances at the end of the season to show people what we are capable of and to excite our supporters again going into next season.

Actor and Millennium Stadium Tour Guide Gareth Bale has been performing his one-man play about Wales rugby legend Ray Gravell across Wales. He chats to WRU TV before taking his show to the Edinburgh Festival.

After widespread consultation, the WRU has made major changes to its pathway programme for girls rugby with a spring and summer season being introduced with immediate effect in order to respond to a clear demand to play the game.

Martyn Phillips addresses the press after being unveiled as the Welsh Rugby Union's new group chief executive. Phillips, who is originally from Fishguard, will work alongside WRU Chairman Gareth Davies, to lead and manage the strategic and operational development and evolution of the governing body at a time of rapid change within the game and will take up his new role at the WRU in the autumn.

The Webb Ellis Cup visited Lampeter on Monday to recognise the fact that the town is celebrating a major milestone as it is believed the first ever game of rugby played in Wales, was in fact played in Lampeter 150 years ago.